McGrath Foundation ‘super squad’ united by a cause close to their hearts

One of singer Samantha Jade’s most enduring memories of her late mum Jacqueline is watching her struggle to write thank you cards to the nurses caring for her during her cancer battle.

One of singer Samantha Jade’s most enduring memories of her late mum Jacqueline is watching her struggle to write thank you cards to the nurses caring for her during her cancer battle.

Jade — one of the McGrath Foundation’s new ‘super squad’ of ambassadors — lost her mum in 2014 just a few months after she was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer.

“The cancer had spread to her liver - and while she initially found a tumour in her breast, we don’t know where the cancer originated,” she said.

“What I do know is how incredible it was to watch her in her darkest hour, after she’d been told she didn’t have long to live yet she focused on making everyone around her feel good.

“She made me get presents for her nurses and even though she was so weak she struggled to write, she’d sit there and try to write them cards to thank them for her care.”

Those nurses kept the entire family going through that saddest of times which is why Jade was only too happy to sign on as one of a trio of ambassadors — alongside breakfast TV presenter James Tobin and McGrath co-founder Tracy Bevan — ahead of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

McGrath Foundation Super Squad Samantha Jade, James Tobin and Tracy Bevan. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

The trio is being announced on Sunday - 57 days out from the start of October to acknowledge the 57 Australians diagnosed with breast cancer every day.

Five years after he lost his mum Christa to breast cancer, Tobin said he was honoured to help the foundation reach its goal of funding 250 breast care nurses across the nation by 2025.

“With a cancer diagnosis comes a crash course in cancer education. It can be overwhelming,” he said.

“A McGrath Breast Cancer Nurse is a central pillar of support amongst the chaos who can help demystify the jargon and answer questions you inevitably will have.

“In a lot of ways my mum is not gone because of the lasting impression she left on so many. She affects the choices I make every day as I strive to live my life with the same joy, enthusiasm and kindness mum showed.”

Bevan - who helped set up the foundation in 2005 with her late friend Jane McGrath - encouraged people to hold pink fundraisers big or small, from cupcake stalls to high teas to backyard cricket.

“We have 233 breast care nurses so are well on our way to our goal,” she said. “I remember when we were setting the foundation up, Jane said ‘If I could help just one family’ - I can imagine her great big smile at the knowledge that we’ve so far helped 143,000 families.”

Register your event at pinkisthecolour.com.au

Originally published as McGrath Foundation ‘super squad’ united by a cause close to their hearts